Wisconsin was well represented at the Land Trust Alliance’s annual Rally conference, held in Cleveland, Ohio from September 3-6, 2025. Four Gathering Waters staff attended this year.
Get our insider’s look at what we learned at the conference, including trends in the land trust community and key takeaways that are relevant to Wisconsin land trusts. You can find information (like slide decks and other resources) we collected from sessions we attended here.
What We Learned At Rally
Reflections by Mike Carlson, Executive Director
I’ve attended more than a dozen Rallies, and this one was noteworthy because it was the first with Ashley Demosthenes at the helm as the CEO of the Land Trust Alliance (LTA). Ashley went out of her way to be present and engaged throughout the conference. She attended a convening of land trust state associations and a meeting of the National Land Trust Leadership Council. For her keynote address, Ashley stepped out from behind the podium and her remarks came across as heartfelt and authentic. Under Ashley’s leadership, I’m excited for a new chapter at LTA and a renewed sense of collaboration.
It was also noteworthy to hear from the hometown land trust, Western Reserve Land Conservancy, which was formed in 2006 through the merger of eight local land trusts—the largest merger of land trusts anywhere in the country. Since then, another five land trusts have combined with the organization. Today, their vision is to create thriving, prosperous communities nourished by vibrant natural lands, working farms, and healthy cities in northeast Ohio.
Western Reserve Land Conservancy was honored with the 2025 National Land Trust Excellence Award. There’s no question in my mind that they’re worthy of national recognition. It was impressive to hear about what they’ve accomplished and the extensive scope of their conservation and restoration projects. They have nearly 70 employees with an annual operating budget of approximately $8 million. Rich Cochran, president and CEO of Western Reserve Land Conservancy, accepted the award. Rich is an exceptional leader, and his remarks really resonated with me.
Reflections by Chris Gutschenritter, Director of Land Conservation Law Program
This year’s Land Trust Alliance Rally in Cleveland was my fifth, and my first as a member of the national Conservation Defense Advisory Council. It was an honor to step into this role, alongside Abbie Church of Mississippi Valley Conservancy. Rally carried new energy under LTA’s CEO, Ashley Demosthenes, whose inspired and accessible leadership—grounded in her own land trust experience—highlighted both challenges and opportunities ahead. Her recognition of the shrinking pool of professionals with land trust expertise underscored a pressing concern and resonated with me personally.
Much of my attention throughout the sessions I attended was on complex legal issues, particularly new Treasury regulations on “material advisors.” These rules target abusive syndicated easements but also increase compliance risks for land trusts acting in good faith. I am working to distill this information into practical guidance for Wisconsin land trusts. I also explored recently revised best practices around IRS Form 8283 and gift acknowledgement letters—technical but critical issues.
As it is every year, the “New Endeavors in Land Conservation” seminar was again a highlight. This year’s seminar showcased innovative approaches from the Compact of Cape Cod Conservation Trusts, Native Land Conservancy, Montezuma Land Conservancy, and the Minnesota Land Trust. My biggest takeaway is a renewed appreciation for the strength of Wisconsin’s land trusts. The work happening across our state is both inspiring and impactful, and it is clear that our priorities—building capacity, expanding funding tools, and strengthening public support—align closely with national conversations. I left the Rally encouraged that Wisconsin land trusts are well positioned to continue leading by example within the broader conservation movement.
Reflections by Amanda Jutrzonka, Communications & Operations Manager
This was my first ever Rally and the experience left me feeling inspired and eager to pass on what I learned to our Wisconsin land trusts. I attended a few sessions that went “in the weeds” about topics like AI and choosing a CRM for your organization. These sessions left me with the understanding that there is no one right answer and it’s important to make holistic decisions that consider the perspectives of all team members. Other sessions taught me about best practices for websites and incorporating video into social media. I also found a lot of value in a session I attended on a whim that was for new supervisors (like me) and gained insightful tips on supporting colleagues.
I also got invited to attend a lunch with communications professionals working at land trusts around the nation. It was interesting to hear different perspectives and responses to questions like “what keeps you up at night?” and other thought-provoking conversation starters. Communications work tends to get sidelined when things get busy, but this cohort of communicators reiterated the importance of communications, and how being a good communicator can be something that every person at an organization strives for.
While I was attending sessions and making my way around the exhibitor booths, I found myself thinking through how Gathering Waters can serve our land trusts back home by bringing some of this same content (potentially with some of the same presenters we got to learn from) to our Wisconsin Land Trust Conference.
Reflections by Lily Butler, Events & Outreach Coordinator
This year was my first Rally and my first time in Cleveland! I started by attending a field trip hosted by Western Reserve Land Conservancy (WRLC). We toured WRLC’s two largest signature preserves, which are located in the Grand River lowlands and are ecologically important to the federally threatened eastern Massassauga Rattlesnake. The tour focused on the value of land trusts partnering with non-land trust entities like local zoos, universities, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Without these partnerships, WRLC would not have been able to protect these properties, or conduct vital research on ecological restoration and endangered species.
I also had the opportunity to attend a renewable energy summit in which I learned about some of the drivers and risks of renewable energy on a national scale and solutions from California and Maine. Members of the Land Trust Alliance’s Conservation Defense Network were there to gather more information from attendees and brainstorm ways the Alliance can continue to provide support on this topic.
The next couple of days were filled with informative sessions and valuable networking. I attended sessions on Indigenous land access and return, affordable housing and conservation collaboration, accessible and inclusive communication, and strategizing for times of division and uncertainty. All of these topics felt very timely for the Wisconsin land trust community.
Finally, I made time to explore the city with my Wisconsin colleagues! I got a 360° view of Cleveland from Terminal Tower and saw the iconic Arcade. I especially loved the art deco architecture, beautiful riverfront, and of course, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Overall, Rally was an extremely energizing and inspiring experience and I would encourage everyone to attend in the future if they are able!!
